Making the switch from hobbyist to full-time author is a dream for many. But it comes with its own challenges. From two of us who have become full time self-employed, we go through some of the pitfalls and areas to think about.USEFUL LINKS:Self Publishing Launchpad is open for enrolment:https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/launchpadJoin our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support
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50:21
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50:21
053 - Audio Books for Authors - Part 2
It's part 2 of our discussion about generating income from audio versions of your books. We talk about the AI options among other things, and James has a mini rant about the opposition many authors still face, because they use the latest technology which is available to all.USEFUL LINKS: ElevenLabs: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/elevenlabsJoin our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career. https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support
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47:52
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052 - Audio Books for Authors - Part 1
We take a two episode dive into audio books. In the first part we discuss the options facing indies, such as wide or exclusive, self produce or collaborate etc.USEFUL LINKS: Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career. https://www.indiewritersclub.com/supportSelf Publishing Launchpad Waitlist:https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/launchpad
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051 - How to Plot Your Next Novel
There's no correct way to plot, but here are our suggestions.Mentioned in the pod were my 5 points to note during plotting - see below the links.USEFUL LINKS:Join our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support Novel November - a new way to write a novel in Novemberhttps://prowritingaid.com/novel-novemberFive Plotting Points to help Guide You:1.   Conflict and stakes   Identify the main conflict that drives your story forward  Ensure the stakes are high enough to keep readers engaged  Consider both external conflicts (between characters or characters and their environment) and internal conflicts (within the characters themselves)2.   Character arcs   Develop your main characters' journeys throughout the story  Ensure each main character has a clear goal, motivation, and potential for change Consider how the plot events will affect and change your characters3.   Pacing and structure   Decide on the right structure for your story (e.g., three-act structure, hero's journey)  Balance action, dialogue, and description to maintain a good pace  Consider the timing of key events, revelations, and twists to keep readers engaged4.   Causality and coherence   Ensure that plot events have a cause-and-effect relationship  Avoid coincidences or deus ex machina solutions  Make sure all subplots and character arcs are coherently tied to the main plot5.   Theme and message DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THEME IN FIRST DRAFT  Consider the overarching theme or message you want to convey through your story  Ensure that your plot, character arcs, and conflicts all reinforce this central theme  Avoid being too heavy-handed or preachy in your message delivery
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050 - News Round Up
Episode 50 is a good time to take stock of the industry and discuss the latest developments that can affect our indie world.Useful links:LSP Launchpad Course waitlist:https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/launchpadGet your ticket for SPS Live:https://www.learnselfpublishing.com/spsliveJoin our Patreon for exclusive access including Live Q&As with James & Cara and your chance to discuss your writing career.https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support
Cara Clare and James Blatch host a weekly light-hearted chat about all things self publishing. Join the Word Count Club to be a part of the accountability partnership. We'll support each other in getting the words done :)Send in your questions, comments and talking points to our discord channel.